Ragin' Cajun Blog: John Ehret guard Elfrid Payton signs with Cajuns

[Parrott]

Guys, I haven't heard of anyone leaving the program. Could happen after the end of the semester. Tennessee supposedly met with Long today. No word on how it went.

Eventually, the numbers will work themselves out. We'll have more answers soon.

[CajunsHat]

From what I've been told, no. He will get a chance to play as a freshman.

Thanks for your insight. Looks like some good-athletic guys coming in...

igeaux.mobi

[Turbine]

Thanks Josh

Welcome to UL Mr. Payton

[wcd35]

Let's not get all upset if we didnt get a big. We signed 2 bigs in the fall that were highly thought of in the juco world
igeaux.mobi

[Boomer]

_ Let's not get all upset if we didnt get a big. We signed 2 bigs in the fall that were highly thought of in the juco world
igeaux.mobi _

We need this guy to come--I just don't understand what is happening---Are our guys trying to get him--If I were a player, I'd be on the cell trying to explain what he could mean to the team and what a place the Cajun Dome will be like!!!!

[SlappyCajun]

_ We need this guy to come--I just don't understand what is happening---Are our guys trying to get him--If I were a player, I'd be on the cell trying to explain what he could mean to the team and what a place the Cajun Dome will be like!!!! _

Boom -

It's very simple. The kid and brother have been holding out to see if they get any high major offers. They appear to have gotten one from Tennessee. I don't think its good for the kid, because Tenn. is about to get slapped with NCAA sanctions. Also, I think the kid is talented and would be very good for our level, however, I'm not sure if he is ready to compete with the big men at Kentucky and Florida.

I think we are still in there and nothing is over yet, but I'm not sure a presentation by Tennessee will fail to impress him. I think smart money right now goes on him signing at Tenn, but I don't think its done.

The kid has said he will take all three visits. However, I know Tennessee is going to pressure him to commit on the spot. We shall see. But from what I've heard there are several other things in the hopper.

[playincajun]

Dont see this kid getting much PT as a freshman. He needs lots of development. Seen him play in high school. We have 6 guards he would be behind and he is the third/fourth if you count Bryant at the PG position. Andrews and Mbamalu are set to return. I would of went another big especially a HS. Long is not coming. If he was we would have him. I am sure he knows what we offer and must feel signing with us is settling. We need a player who sees us a a first not last option we need to move on.

[SlappyCajun]

_ Dont see this kid getting much PT as a freshman. He needs lots of development. Seen him play in high school. We have 6 guards he would be behind and he is the third/fourth if you count Bryant at the PG position. Andrews and Mbamalu are set to return. I would of went another big especially a HS. Long is not coming. If he was we would have him. I am sure he knows what we offer and must feel signing with us is settling. We need a player who sees us a a first not last option we need to move on. _

Kid definitely needs to develop. In fact, I think it may be a great situation for a red shirt. It is analogous to when Tyren Johnson came in as a freshman. He should have definitely red shirted. This kid is first team all-state in 5A. Only 17 years old, and got better as the season progressed. If not for the HS coach and parents the kid is visiting Tulsa next week.

I think he can red shirt and then play behind Ramone as a Freshman when Ramone is a sr. The kid will be an unbelievable defender IMO.

We may or may not be done recruiting.

[Cajunsmike]

_ Kid definitely needs to develop. In fact, I think it may be a great situation for a red shirt. It is analogous to when Tyren Johnson came in as a freshman. He should have definitely red shirted. This kid is first team all-state in 5A. Only 17 years old, and got better as the season progressed. If not for the HS coach and parents the kid is visiting Tulsa next week.

I think he can red shirt and then play behind Ramone as a Freshman when Ramone is a sr. The kid will be an unbelievable defender IMO.

We may or may not be done recruiting. _

Signing Payton does not mean we are done recruiting. Alan Michael Thompson has not signed yet but should do soon. That will take up all our scholarships. However, I would not be surprised if we sign another big man. I suspect it won't be Mr. Long but someone else.
Of course if that occurs, either someone currently on the team will not return or perhaps someone will pay their own way to school in order to help the team. Travis Bureau did that for awhile. I agree that Payton may need to develop before he is a major contributor. That does not mean we should not have signed him. Andrews and Jackson will be juniors next season and you have to build for the future and short term. Jackson was the short term answer and Payton the long term. Note much of the comments regarding his signing dealt with his upside. He will grow some more and improve his shot. By the time he is a junior, he could be more than a solid point guard for us. Defense may be his strong suit as he seems to value steals.

[moorecajun]

_ Dont see this kid getting much PT as a freshman. He needs lots of development. Seen him play in high school. We have 6 guards he would be behind and he is the third/fourth if you count Bryant at the PG position. Andrews and Mbamalu are set to return. I would of went another big especially a HS. Long is not coming. If he was we would have him. I am sure he knows what we offer and must feel signing with us is settling. We need a player who sees us a a first not last option we need to move on. _

I agree with your points ... it is a shame the Longs don't see the opportunity here. I don't like it when a kid holds out (looking for a better "opportunity") but I have total faith in our coaches.